Preparing for an exam like CAT can incur significant expenses, particularly if you opt for coaching classes, mock test series, and study material. However, considering the abundance of high-quality learning resources available for free, is such expenditure justified? While traditional classroom learning remains an option, online resources provide convenient and customizable options to suit individual needs.. Many aspirants falter due to a lack of strategy in their preparation. Needless to say, acing a competitive exam like CAT requires meticulous planning.

With focused preparation, perseverance, and a strategic approach, one can excel in the CAT examination, opening doors to a fulfilling career in management. Here’s a comprehensive guide to CAT resources, including comparisons and discussions on various coaching options, test series, books, YouTube channels, Telegram channels, blogs, and free resources.

Coaching Institutes for CAT

Why Join a CAT Couching Institute –

• Experienced Faculty – you get guidance from expert teachers who know the CAT curriculum inside out.
• Structured Curriculum – you won’t miss any crucial topics because you’ll be following a well-organized study plan provided by the coaching institute.
• Study Materials – access to comprehensive materials tailored to the CAT syllabus, saving you time.
• Exam Strategies – learn effective strategies and time management techniques from experienced mentors.
• Mock Tests – You’ll have access to multiple mock exams, allowing you to assess your performance, and make improvements accordingly.
• Doubt Clearing – get personalized help with difficult concepts and questions.
• Peer Support – interact with peers for motivation, competition, and shared learning experiences.
• Additional Resources – access to libraries, online materials, and more to enhance your preparation.

While there are numerous benefits of joining a CAT coaching institute, it’s essential to choose the right one. Selecting the right CAT coaching institute is crucial for effective preparation. Factors like location, fees, faculty expertise, resources, and student feedback should be carefully considered. Here’s a curated list of top coaching institutes in India, arranged alphabetically, to assist you in making a wise decision.

Top 10 Offline CAT Coaching Institutes

Institute Name	About	Fees	Contact No. / Website
Hitbullseye	Hitbullseye provides comprehensive CAT online coaching with live classes, doubt-clearing sessions, and a variety of tests. It focuses on providing students an extra edge through different exam patterns and performance analysis	Rs. 56,000/- INR	9888474700 https://www.hitbullseye.com/
Career Launcher	Career Launcher is a premier CAT online coaching institute, offering recorded lectures, doubt-clearing sessions, and extensive preparation for non-CAT exams. They provide a classroom-like experience with physical study materials for comprehensive learning.	Rs. 60,000/- INR	011-41281100 https://www.careerlauncher.com/
CrackU	CrackU, founded by IIT-IIM alumni, boasts a stellar track record and offers comprehensive CAT online coaching. With extensive video content, mock tests, and a user-friendly app, CrackU provides a convenient and effective learning experience for CAT aspirants.	Rs. 29,999/- INR	6303239042 https://cracku.in
Endeavour Careers	Endeavor Careers known for its personalized mentoring and innovative teaching methods, providing tailored study materials and individual attention to students, ensuring effective preparation for the CAT exam.	Rs. 48,000/- INR	8733003330 https://iendeavor.endeavorcareers.com/
IMS	IMS, India’s pioneer in CAT coaching, boasts a 4.5/5 rating and provides top-notch online coaching. Their offerings include live sessions, personal mentoring, sectional tests, and tailored courses for candidates at various preparation levels.	Rs. 41,950/- INR	18001234467 https://www.imsindia.com/
iQuanta	iQuanta offers innovative dual pedagogy coaching for exams like CAT, featuring live interactive sessions and comprehensive study material for effective learning. With a focus on both application and conceptual learning, the institute ensures a thorough understanding of topics through engaging teaching methods.	Rs. 32,499 /-INR	76830 43155 www.iquanta.in
Mindworkzz	Mindworkzz, founded by IIM Bangalore alumnus Arun Sharma, provides holistic CAT online coaching with live sessions, mock tests, and personalized doubt clarification. The institute offers tailored study plans and GDPI/WAT/GK sessions for comprehensive preparation.	Rs. 44,700/- INR	9595806833 https://mindworkzz.in
PT Education	PT Education is renowned offering comprehensive study materials, experienced faculty, and rigorous mock tests. Their strategic blend of classroom sessions and online resources ensures personalized attention for students’ learning needs, leading to a track record of producing top achievers.	Rs. 65,000/- INR	97555-99515 https://pteducation.com/
T.I.M.E	Triumphant Institute of Management Education (T.I.M.E.) is a renowned test preparation institute offering CAT online coaching with live classes, doubt clarification, study material, and sectional tests. Additionally, they provide coaching for CAT’s written ability tests and group discussions.	Rs. 67,000/- INR	09871439890 www.time4education.com
2IIM	2IIM, renowned for its CAT online coaching, provides interactive live sessions, mocks, and CAT-level questions. With faculty consisting of IIT-M and IIM-B alumni, the institute ensures high-quality coaching and mentorship for CAT aspirants.	Rs. 52,000/- INR	99626 48484 www.2iim.com

Popular Books for CAT Preparation

When it comes to CAT preparation, practice is essential. Several books are popular among CAT aspirants for improving knowledge and efficiency. Here are some of them:

• “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT” by Arun Sharma – This book focuses on conceptual clarity and problem-solving techniques essential for CAT preparation in quantitative aptitude.
• “How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT” by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay – Offers strategies and techniques to enhance verbal ability and reading comprehension skills, accompanied by practice exercises.
• “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis – Widely recommended for improving vocabulary, crucial for the verbal ability section of the CAT exam.
• “The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT” by Nishit K. Sinha – Provides a structured approach to verbal ability and logical reasoning topics, along with practice exercises and mock tests.
• “How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT” by Arun Sharma – Focuses on data interpretation concepts and problem-solving strategies required for the DI section of the CAT exam.
• “CAT 40 Days’ Ultimate Preparation Guide” by Career Launcher – Offers a concise and structured study plan with practice exercises for CAT preparation.
• “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers fundamental concepts of quantitative aptitude with a plethora of practice questions for CAT and other competitive exams.
• “Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT” by Sarvesh K. Verma – Comprehensive coverage of quantitative aptitude topics with practice exercises and previous years’ CAT questions for thorough preparation.
• “Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT” by Pearson – Provides a variety of practice exercises and mock tests to enhance verbal ability and reading comprehension skills for CAT preparation.
• “Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT” by Nishit K. Sinha – Detailed explanations and ample practice questions provided for logical reasoning and data interpretation sections of the CAT exam.

Popular You tube Channels for CAT Preparation

• RODHA – led by educator Ravi Prakash Sir, offers free CAT exam preparation lectures with clear explanations on quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and verbal ability. Renowned for its quality content, it’s a go-to resource for CAT aspirants seeking effective and accessible learning materials.
• Unacademy CAT – Featuring experienced educators, Unacademy CAT delivers lessons and tips on quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and verbal ability, along with live and doubt-clearing sessions.
• Handa Ka Funda – Known for its comprehensive CAT preparation videos, Handa Ka Funda covers topics from quantitative aptitude to verbal ability, providing tips, tricks, and strategies.
• CATKing– CATKing’s channel offers insightful videos on CAT exam preparation, including mock test analysis, shortcut techniques, and guidance on various sections. It is very reliable on updated information regarding CAT.
• 2IIM – CAT Preparation – Offers high-quality CAT preparation videos covering quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and data interpretation topics. It focuses on CAT quantitative aptitude and data interpretation topics, offering in-depth explanations, shortcut techniques, and practice problems.
• Career Launcher – Career Launcher’s channel provides expert guidance and advice on CAT preparation, including topic-wise discussions, exam analysis, and mock test strategies.
• Byju’s Exam Prep – Byju’s Exam Prep offers a wide range of CAT preparation videos, covering concept explanations, practice questions, and exam strategy sessions delivered by experienced faculty.
• Takshzila Shikshak: Features CAT preparation videos focusing on mathematics topics, offering concept explanations and problem-solving techniques.
• Azucation – Offers CAT exam preparation content, including tips and strategies for quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and verbal ability. It’s a valuable resource for CAT aspirants seeking effective study materials and guidance.
• MBA Crystal Ball – Provides informative videos on CAT preparation, including study tips, exam strategies, and guidance on B-school selection and admissions.
• CATPrep Catalyst – Offers comprehensive CAT coaching videos covering all sections of the exam, including quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and verbal ability.
• Mindworkzz CAT Prep – Features videos by renowned CAT coach Arun Sharma, covering various aspects of CAT preparation, including strategy sessions and concept explanations.
• Gejo Sreenivasan CAT Preparation – Provides insightful videos on CAT preparation strategies, time management tips, and exam analysis.
• Gautam Puri (GP) – Shares valuable insights and strategies for CAT exam preparation, covering various aspects of the exam and providing motivational content.
• Tathagata CAT Preparation – Offers informative videos on CAT preparation strategies, mock test analysis, and topic-wise discussions.
• CAT100 Percentile – Focuses on achieving 100 percentile in CAT with videos covering advanced concepts, practice questions, and exam strategies.

Popular Online Resources for CAT Preparation

Numerous popular online resources cater to CAT coaching needs, providing diverse study materials, practice tests, mock exams, updates, videos, and guidance for aspirants. Some of the popular ones are listed below –

• Official CAT Website –
  • The official CAT website (https://iimcat.ac.in/) is a valuable resource providing comprehensive information about the exam. It offers registration details, exam pattern, syllabus, and access to previous years’ question papers, allowing aspirants to familiarize themselves with the exam format and content.
• Career Launcher –
  • Career Launcher is a renowned name in the field of CAT preparation, offering a comprehensive suite of online resources to support aspirants in their journey. From online courses and study plans to mock tests and personalized mentoring, Career Launcher provides a holistic approach to CAT preparation. Aspirants benefit from access to expert faculty, exam analysis, and guidance tailored to their individual strengths and weaknesses.
• MBA Universe –
  • MBA Universe (https://www.mbauniverse.com/) offers valuable resources for CAT aspirants, including articles, expert insights, and preparation tips. Their comprehensive coverage of MBA entrance exams helps aspirants stay informed and make well-informed decisions about their preparation strategy.
• Cracku –
  • Cracku (https://www.cracku.in/) provides CAT preparation materials, including study guides, practice questions, and mock tests, designed to enhance conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Their online platform offers aspirants access to a wide range of resources to support their preparation journey.
• Time4Education –
  • Time4Education (https://www.time4education.com/) offers CAT preparation courses designed by experienced faculty to cover all exam sections thoroughly. Their online platform provides aspirants with access to study materials, mock tests, and personalized feedback to improve performance.
• BYJU’S Exam Prep –
  • Formerly known as Gradeup, BYJU’S Exam Prep is a popular platform offering dedicated resources for CAT preparation. It provides a wide range of study materials, including practice questions, mock tests, and video lectures delivered by experienced faculty. Aspirants can benefit from structured study plans and exam-specific strategies tailored to their needs.
• Unacademy –
  • Unacademy offers CAT preparation courses conducted by top educators in the field. Through its platform, aspirants gain access to comprehensive study materials covering all sections of the exam, including quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and verbal ability. Additionally, live sessions and doubt-clearing sessions provide opportunities for interactive learning and clarification of concepts.
• Handa Ka Funda –
  • Handa Ka Funda’s website (https://www.handakafunda.com/) is a go-to destination for CAT aspirants seeking concept clarity and effective problem-solving strategies. It offers online courses, study materials, and video lectures designed to enhance understanding and proficiency in key areas. With a focus on fundamental concepts and practical applications, Handa Ka Funda equips aspirants with the skills needed to excel in the exam.
• Hitbullseye –
  • Hitbullseye (https://www.hitbullseye.com/) offers comprehensive CAT preparation materials, including study guides, practice questions, and mock tests. Their online platform provides aspirants with access to expert faculty and personalized guidance to enhance their preparation strategy.
• Oliveboard –
  • Oliveboard (https://www.oliveboard.in/) provides CAT aspirants with a range of online courses and study materials, including video lectures, practice tests, and topic-wise quizzes. Their adaptive learning platform tailors study plans to individual learning styles and tracks progress to ensure effective preparation.
• 2IIM –
  • 2IIM (https://www.2iim.com/) specializes in CAT quantitative aptitude and data interpretation preparation, offering a range of online courses and study materials. Its platform features video lectures, practice questions, and shortcut techniques aimed at enhancing problem-solving skills and efficiency. With a focus on conceptual clarity and strategic approaches, 2IIM equips aspirants with the tools needed to tackle the quantitative section of the CAT exam effectively.
• Takshzila Shikshak –
  • Takshzila Shikshak’s website (https://www.takshzila.com/) provides specialized resources focusing on CAT quantitative aptitude topics. Aspirants can access online courses and study materials featuring detailed concept explanations and problem-solving techniques. Takshzila Shikshak’s tailored approach aims to strengthen aspirants’ quantitative aptitude skills and build confidence in tackling challenging questions.
• PrepLadder –
  • PrepLadder (https://www.prepladder.com/) is a trusted resource for CAT preparation, offering online courses, study materials, and mock tests designed to enhance aspirants’ proficiency in all exam sections. With a focus on comprehensive coverage and adaptive learning techniques, PrepLadder equips aspirants with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the CAT exam. Aspirants can benefit from structured study plans, expert guidance, and interactive learning resources to optimize their preparation efforts.
• MBA Crystal Ball –
  • MBA Crystal Ball (https://www.mbacrystalball.com/) offers a wealth of resources to support CAT aspirants in their preparation journey. From informative articles and study tips to guidance on B-school selection and MBA admissions, MBA Crystal Ball provides valuable insights and advice. Aspirants can benefit from expert perspectives and actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of the CAT exam and beyond.
• IMS India –
  • IMS India’s website (https://www.imsindia.com/) is a comprehensive platform offering a wide range of online courses, study materials, mock tests, and personalized mentoring for CAT aspirants. With a focus on delivering quality education and guidance, IMS India provides aspirants with the necessary tools and support to excel in the exam. Expert faculty, exam analysis, and structured study plans contribute to a holistic learning experience tailored to individual needs.

Practice Platforms for CAT

Despite the abundant resources and guidance available for cracking CAT, the foundational source will always be practice. Aspirants often invest significant amounts of money, time, and effort, yet overlook the crucial aspect of consistent practice. Fortunately, advancements in technology and innovation now enable us to focus more effectively on the practice component.

• Learn(θ) –
  • Learn(θ) is a platform curated to enhance self-study efficiency, especially for subjects like Math and Quantitative Aptitude.It bridges the gap in guidance for consistent daily self-study, providing crucial support for effective independent learning. Couple of advantages of using Learn(θ) include
    • Adaptive practice platform: Tailors questions based on performance.
    • Helps Seek Help If Stuck: Review study materials for forgotten concepts or formulas.
    • Adaptive Learning: Tailors subsequent questions based on performance.
    • Monitors Progress: Track percentile updates within the system.
    • Expands Practice: Integrate new topics into practice as they are learned.
    • Continues Reviewing: Observe percentile improvements by consistently using Learn(θ).